Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters you may recognize from the wonderful world of Harry Potter, they all belong to the revered JK Rowling; I just like to play with them a little.
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
THE TROUBLE WITH FLYING
The next morning, Ginny was sitting at the kitchen table, telling her mother about the time she spent at Malfoy Manor.
"The Malfoy's were really nice. It wasn't at all what I expected." Ginny told Molly over a cup of tea. "Lucius seemed warm and caring - it was really bizarre."
"That's good, dear. At least the children will be able to visit." Molly was quite relieved all had gone well. It would make it easier for Ginny, in the long run, if she could get along with Draco's family.
"Yeah, they had a lot of fun," Ginny admitted as she looked through the kitchen window to watch them play outside. "I also invited them to the birthday party."
"Oh, do you think that was a wise decision?" Molly asked concern ringing in her voice. It was common knowledge, throughout the British wizarding community, that Arthur Weasley and Lucius Malfoy did not get along at all.
"I had to! Mrs. Malfoy asked what I had planned for the twin's birthday and I told her, without even thinking, that we usually had a family party. It just didn't occur to me that they would want to come. She went quiet and it was like she was disappointed, or something. Mum, I had to invite them - I felt awful."
"What made you think they wouldn't want to come?" Molly knew herself that only death would keep her from her grandchildren, especially on their birthday.
"Mum, they live in a mansion with house elves to do their bidding. They're just so different to us. I guess, I didn't think they'd want to come here."
"Or perhaps you didn't want them to come here, after seeing how they lived?"
"Gods no, Mum! I'm not ashamed of how we live. It's just- well there's how dad feels about Lucius. They've never gotten along and-" Ginny started with vehement denial but drifted off.
"I can handle your father and your brothers, so don't worry about them. If the Malfoy's want to attend the birthday party we'll manage."
"Thanks, Mum. I really want this to work."
"It will work. What about Draco?"
"He had fun too," Ginny responded indifferently.
"I did hear you come in last night dear." A knowing smile crept across Molly's features.
"Oh-" Ginny colored slightly when she realized what her mother might have heard. "We've decided to give us another go, but we're taking things slow."
"That's lovely, but can you tell me why you're getting back together?"
"Well, because we want to. We still love each other, Mum."
"Good. As long as it's for both of you and not the children. Relationships that hinge on the children don't work. You do realize that, don't you?"
"Yes, Mum. We're both aware of that and no, it's definitely not the reason we're getting back together."
"Ginny, how long were you together before?" Molly had no knowledge of her daughter's previous relationship with the father of her children.
"Nearly two years."
"Who knew?" She was disappointed her daughter had never confided in her.
"Only a couple of people - Slytherin's." Ginny felt more than a little ashamed of hiding her previous relationship with Draco from her family.
"I see."
"Mum, I couldn't tell anyone. Neither could Draco. But we had to be together - we fell in love."
"I understand, dear." Molly smiled at her daughter. What was done, was done and she could not change the past so there was no point in dwelling there.
"Daddy!" they heard Angel squeal excitedly from outside.
"Looks like Draco's here." Molly stood up to get a better view of the garden.
"Mmm-" was all Ginny murmured as she stood and walked out of the door into the yard.
She watched as Drake and Angel ran to meet Draco. As they drew close enough, Angel threw herself into his arms, giving him no choice but to scoop her up before continuing to the house. Ginny watched him ruffle Drake's hair, then take his hand and the three walked into the yard.
"Good morning, love." Draco greeted her with a broad smile.
"Morning." She was surprised by the feelings coursing her body at his appearance.
"Now, are you going to get upset if I kiss your mother hello?" Draco asked Drake as he put Angel on her feet.
"Well- I guess not, but just a kiss not a snog." Drake told him seriously.
"Only a kiss, I promise," Draco assured him as he took Ginny in his arms and lowered his head to hers.
Ginny was stifling a giggle. "Did you really have to ask permission?"
"Better to be safe than sorry. The bruise on my leg still hasn't healed."
Before she could respond he met her lips in a soft kiss. His hand ran down her back to caress her backside, but was not there long before a small hand forcefully grabbed it and pulled it off.
"You touched her bottom again!" Drake accused. "That's snogging!"
"Sorry mate, forgot myself for a minute." Draco winked at his son, who made a disgusted sound in the back of his throat.
"You have to let mummy go now," Drake told him impatiently.
"Alright- alright, I'm letting her go." Draco held his hands up in the air.
"What are we doing today, Daddy?" Angel asked.
"Well, I need to talk to your mummy alone, about an idea I had, okay?"
"Why don't we go inside and you two can keep playing out here while we're talking?" Ginny suggested.
"Can't we come too?" Angel asked.
"How can I talk to mummy alone, if you two come in?" asked Draco smiling at her.
"Oh, okay." Angel sighed in resignation.
Ginny led Draco into the house and turned on him the moment the door closed behind them.
"What game are we playing?" Ginny demanded.
Draco frowned in confusion. "Game? I don't think I follow-"
"Drake?"
"Oh- he's protective of you, Gin. Let him think we're going by his rules for a while," Draco replied. In reality, Draco was willing to do just about anything to appease his small son and avoid more `Special Wizards Business' concerning `special hugs'. He just didn't think he could handle another round of `why's' or worse `how's'.
"Oh, I see. So the only time I can snog you, is when he's not around, is it?" Ginny purred as she ran her hands over his chest.
"Good morning, Mrs. Weasley," Draco said cheerfully to the older witch, who was observing the couple from across the kitchen.
"Good morning, Draco. It's lovely to see you again," Molly responded smiling broadly at the couple.
"Umm- Mum, didn't know you were still here." Ginny flushed bright red and moved away from Draco.
"Oh, don't mind me. I've work to do," Molly responded as she disappeared up the stairs giving Ginny and Draco some space.
"Now where was I?" Ginny muttered, as she moved in on Draco again, sliding her arms around his neck.
"Right here-" Draco said in a low growl just before he claimed her lips in a searing kiss.
"Daddy are you finished yet? What are we going to do?" Drake called from outside.
Draco sighed and rested his forehead on Ginny's. "Merlin, how did he know?"
"No, darling. Not just yet," Ginny called before lifting her head and reclaiming Draco's now pouting mouth.
"Are you snogging again?" Drake called out, causing the couple to break apart again.
"No, mate. Just talking," Draco answered. "I swear, Gin, he knows," he added in a whisper.
"You're going to have to have another talk with him."
"I was trying to avoid that. Every time we `talk', I seem to make matters worse."
"Well he needs to understand and it's your department."
"I know. I'll give it some thought and see if I can come up with something to at least deter him from interrupting us."
"That would be good!" Ginny smiled. "Now, what did you have planned for today?"
"Well, I thought we might go flying. You can still handle a broom, can't you?"
"Of course I can still handle a broom."
"Good, want to prove it?" Draco challenged playfully.
"Alright then!"
"Good! Let's go tell the kids, before Drake busts in here to rescue you from my clutches." Draco followed up with a playful, evil laugh.
"Mmm- we probably should, but wouldn't you rather stay here? Just you and me?" Ginny answered softly as she rested her head on his chest.
"Oooh- you evil temptress!" Draco laughed. "Come on, I'd hate to see what my son would do to me, if he thought I'd compromised your virtue in any way."
"Alright, I don't suppose it's a good idea to tempt fate. It's not pretty when he loses control." Ginny laughed with him.
They walked back out to the yard hand in hand. Draco did not miss the disgusted look Drake shot at him, but neither did he let go of Ginny's hand.
"Who would like to go flying?" Draco asked the children.
"Really, daddy? We can go flying?" Drake immediately forgot to be disgusted that his father was holding hands with his Mummy.
"Yep, your Mum said it's fine and she's even going to join us."
"Yippee!" Drake squealed as he jumped up and down.
Ginny went to the broom shed to retrieve her own broomstick, plus two of the older ones for the twins. Draco produced his broomstick from his pocket and uttered the engorgement charm `Engorgio', to bring his `Lightning Bolt 5000' to full size.
"Wow! Daddy, you've got a `Lightning Bolt'!" Drake strode around the broom admiring it from every angle.
"Would you like to try it?" Draco whispered to Drake.
"Sure would!" Drake was so excited.
"Okay, but I don't think your mum would agree so we'll just bide our time and I'll make sure you get a ride. All right?" Draco assured him with a sly wink.
"Thanks, Daddy." Drake tried to return the conspiratorial wink, but only managed to screw up one side of his face.
They spent much of the morning up in the air, with the children either on their own brooms close to the ground or doubling up with one of their parents to soar high above the property. At lunchtime, Molly rang an ancient dinner bell that was charmed with `Sonorus'. Unlike the day before, lunch was a simple affair of soup and sandwiches served with pumpkin juice.
"Daddy?" Drake motioned his head outside.
Draco winked at him and whispered back, "I haven't forgotten."
"Just what haven't you forgotten?" Ginny knew when wizards were up to something. After all she had witnessed her twin brother's plotting and scheming, all her life.
"Nothing love, nothing at all," Draco said feigning innocence.
"Drake?" Ginny pinned him with her gaze.
"Nothing, Mummy. Nothing at all!" Drake imitated his father almost perfectly.
Ginny sighed. "Then why do I get the feeling you two are up to something?"
"Now love, what could we possibly be up to?" Draco tried his best innocent face on her.
"I don't know, but you can be sure if you are up to anything, I will find out!" Ginny promised him, not buying the innocent expression for a minute.
"Draco, are you coming to lunch on Sunday?" Molly asked.
"Umm- Sunday?" Draco frowned. Ginny hadn't said anything about Sunday.
"Oh- I forgot. Once a month, the whole family get together for lunch, here at the Burrow." She had completely forgotten to ask Draco.
"Of course, you're expected to be here, Draco. After all, you are family." Molly was smiling, but her tone implied he did not really have a choice.
"Of course, Sunday lunch sounds great." Draco had not missed the message in Molly's tone - the subject was not really open for discussion, he was expected to attend and that was that. He didn't quite know whether to be pleased to be included as family just like that, or terrified that all of her brothers would be in attendance, and given Ron's reaction to him the other morning, he could only imagine what the rest thought of him.
"Lovely!" Molly beamed, as she began to clean up from lunch.
"I'll just give mum a hand, okay?" Ginny told him.
"Sure, Drake and I are going to give the brooms a quick clean." Draco could think of nothing else that would get his son outside with him on his own.
"A clean?" Ginny questioned.
"Yeah- the `Lightning Bolt'. He's been bugging me to polish it." Draco nudged Drake, hoping he would get the idea to back his story up.
"Polish it?" Drake questioned his eyes wide with confusion. He didn't want to polish it he wanted to ride it.
"Why don't we go do that now, son?" Draco said very pointedly.
"Umm- all right, Daddy." Drake was still confused, there was something going on with his dad - he was acting really strange.
"We'll see you in a while then," Draco told Ginny as he leaned in and kissed her cheek.
"Alright then." Ginny smiled to herself. There was definitely something going on with those two.
Draco and Drake went back outside, to where they had left the brooms.
"I'm not cleaning any broomstick," Drake told Draco straight.
Draco smirked at him. "I just said that to your mother so we could get out here before her and give you a ride on my broom."
"Oh-" Drake considered his father's answer. "Daddy, she knows we're up to something."
"What makes you say that?" Draco frowned.
"I just know, by the look she gave you."
"Oh and what look was that?" Draco arched as eyebrow at his son.
"It was the same look Grandma gives to Uncle Fred and Uncle George when they're up to mischief," Drake informed him as he nodded solemnly.
"Alright, so maybe she knows we're up to something. We'll just have to be quick about getting you a ride or you'll miss out."
Drake mounted his father's broomstick and kicked off the ground instantly. Draco was surprised at how good the little boy was. He could definitely handle the broom.
"Draco Malfoy!" Ginny shrieked as she crossed the yard.
Draco cringed. They were definitely in trouble now if the tone of her voice was anything to go by.
"Is my son on your racing broom?"
"He's doing really well, love."
"Draco, need I remind you, he is only four years old and- oh gods look at how high he is-"
"Probably still hear you though," Draco mumbled under his breath.
"Drake, you come back down here right now!" Ginny yelled.
"Gin, he's fine. He's handling that broom well."
"Draco, he's a baby! He could fall!" Ginny was clearly starting to get upset.
"Alright, I'll go up on your broom and guide him down, okay?"
"Fine! Just get him down now!"
Merlin she's changing moods faster than I can talk, Draco thought as he mounted her broom and kicked off. As soon as he'd closed the distance between himself and Drake he called out to him. "Come on, mate, time to take it down."
"Is Mummy really angry?"
"Yeah, but she's angry with me more than you."
Both wizards descended gracefully and landed a short distance away from a furious Ginny. As their feet touched solid ground, she ran towards them.
"Drake, baby! Are you alright?" Ginny knelt in front of him and started to check him over physically.
"Mummy, I just went for a ride. I didn't hurt myself." Drake tried to push her hands off.
"I want you to promise me that you'll never go flying like that again."
"But, Mummy, I like flying! It's the best!"
"It's dangerous, Drake. Anything could happen - you could have fallen."
"It's not dangerous and I can't fall if I hold on like Uncle Harry showed me."
"Don't argue with me, Drake. If I say it's dangerous, it's dangerous."
In her fury she missed the look that passed between father and son. Draco shook his head ever so slightly when Drake argued back.
Drake sighed heavily and rolled his eyes. "Alright, Mummy. It's dangerous, if you say so."
"Don't you roll your eyes at me!" Ginny started again.
"Sorry, Mummy," Drake muttered. He really just wanted this latest berating to be over.
The small family spent the rest of the afternoon together. They took a walk to a nearby stream, played games with the children and even took the brooms for another spin. Draco tried many times to speak to Ginny about Drake's flying ability, but she wouldn't hear him out, saying that she had made up her mind and would not be changing it any time soon.
Molly invited Draco to stay for dinner and he almost declined, until she informed them that Ron was taking Pansy out for a meal, so there was plenty to go around. Hearing this, he heartily agreed to stay for the meal. Later in the evening, he helped Ginny tuck the children into bed. Then they finally got to spend some quiet time together. Something he had already begun to cherish.
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AUTHORS NOTE
Big hugs to all who reviewed :D
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